Shypoke Cellars Sangiovese Olivias Block

Its been about a year since we last opened a bottle. I only had a small pour this time around the fire pit but this one struck me differently than the last two. Those I thought seemed more chianti-like, but this one was bigger, riper, more intense, with some vanilla overtones. The fruit was still red in tone, but this seems to have put on weight and is more inline with previous vintages.

Similar impressions as with the last bottle. Surprisingly chianti-like with perhaps just a little more vanilla. I like the acidity and tart red fruit profile. I was worried that Ann wouldn't like this leaner style but I was wrong - she liked it as much as I did. Went well with grilled filet.

Cracked one of these open right of the delivery truck at my office. Interesting change from previous vintages. The alc is "only" 13.5%, down from typically the mid 14 range. The wine shows it in that is more like italian sangiovese in style too. The fruit is crunchier, tarter and leaning toward the red spectrum than previous vintages with the dryness and acidity more like a european wine. Style change or just what the weather offered in 09? I like …